EUGENE, OR (WAVY) – Michael Cherry ran a personal-best time of 44.35, and finished runner-up behind Michael Norman in Sunday night’s 400 meter, and qualified for the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Cherry was an All-American and state champion at Oscar Smith High School, a national champion at LSU, a World Champion in the 4×400 relay, and will now compete in his very first Olympic Games.
Winner, Michael Norman, left, and Michael Cherry, second, race in the men’s 400-meter run at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials Sunday, June 20, 2021, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) 
Michael Cherry, right, second, and winner Michael Norman celebrates after the men’s 400-meter run at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials Sunday, June 20, 2021, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) 
Michael Cherry wins the second heat of the men’s 400-meter run at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials Friday, June 18, 2021, in Eugene, Ore.(AP Photo/Ashley Landis) 
Michael Cherry wins the first semi final in the men’s 400-meter run at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials Saturday, June 19, 2021, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)